Drakensberg Diaries. Chute and Shoot to Thrill. Canoe in the Drakensberg Foothills through the Weenen Game Reserve in South Africa.

Written by Brian Kemp

Planning a holiday in Drakensberg Mountains in South African winter? This little gem is a ďsomething completely differentĒ day-trip. So your Drakensberg holiday doesnít have to be all walking.

There are other ways of getting around. Like bobbing through Weenen Game Reserve in an inflatable canoe. I hear you say ďHold itĒ. Relax, no lions. But thatís about all itís short of. This day-trip is only available in winter months (June Ė September) when river is at itís lowest. Itíll be warm in sun but cool in shade. Youíll need a hat, sunscreen, binoculars and a camera with a longish lens.

The Bushmanís River sources in high Drakensberg of Giantís Castle. At altitude, its crystal-clear rock pools refresh overheated hikers. Lower down it feeds Weenan Canal - built 100 years ago to provide irrigation for farmlands. While river rushes and tumbles over rocks, canal is much less imposing. Only a metre deep and no more than a few metres wide. But itís 12 kilometres long, traversing rough and hilly terrain. Donít be too quick to jump in though Ė its cold, winter-green color tells you it hasnít been in liquid form for long.

Your river guides will have everything ready for you. So you can lie back in your little boat. And bob. In sunshine. Itís got paddles but you donít need them. Claustrophobia sufferers, beware. En route there are three not-so-large steel pipes through which water has been channeled. You either stop, pick up your boat and portage. Or you lie back with steel tunnel only inches from your face. Itís dark and you can feel heat radiating from surface. Grit your teeth. Go with flow. Breath relief when you suddenly pop out into sunshine again.

Travel Germany: Oktoberfest

Written by Jean Sutherland

Travel Germany: Oktoberfest

Travelers to Germany during late September and early October are in for an Oktoberfest treat: two solid weeks of beer drinking, revelry and entertainment. For a glimpse into festivities, as well as some of history surrounding event, read on.

Travel Germany: History of Oktoberfest

Even though event is named for month afterwards, travelers to Germanyís will notice that Oktoberfest actually starts in September. Originally, party began on 12th of October, 1810, with marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I of Bavaria) to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The event caused such a stir that it just had to happen again following year! This started German tradition that travelers from around world flock to see every year.

In 1818, celebration was comprised of one carousel and a couple of rides (appropriate for times). The beer tents didnít start popping up until 1896, and because Munich was quite a bit smaller than it is today, visitors to German Oktoberfest had to travel to a large, 31 hectare field known as die Theresienwiese, which was named after Princess. Locals, however, know area just as die Wiesn.

Travel Germany: Oktoberfest Today

Oktoberfest in Germany to travelers is a lot like agricultural fairs elsewhere, complete with rides, merry-go-rounds, a carnival-like atmosphere, food, and, of course, overflowing amounts of beer available at 14 Bavarian beer tents. However, German travelers should be aware that full meal deal agricultural fair, called Zentrallandwirtschaftsfest, is only held every three years. Also, die Theresienwiese now lies within city limits, so visitors to Germanyís Oktoberfest donít have to travel so far.